Don't Squeeze the Charmin!

For readers of a certain age, hearing the name "Mr. Whipple" brings back memories of a harried store manager accosting customers who dared squeeze the rolls of Charmin toilet paper on his shelves. The paper was so soft and comfortable, squeezing a roll was irresistible. Even he would surreptitiously give into temptation and give it a squeeze.

Mr. Whipple's portayer, Dick Wilson, became ingrained in American culture, despite the fact that he was born in the United Kingdom and grew up in Canada. Mr. Wilson had found marginal success in film and television, often playing a humorous drunk. (His biggest drunken role was a recurring one in Bewitched.) In 1964, he began his run as the store manager Mr. Whipple, which gave him his biggest exposure and pay checks. He would play the character continuously for over twenty years. Even after he retired, he would often get called back for various Charmin promotions. When he passed away in 2007, Charmin paid tribute to its beloved spokesman in a series of commercials that resurrected his classic advertisements.

Rest in Peace: Geoffrey Holder

Geoffrey Holder was born in 1930 in Trinidad and Tobago. A notable dancer, singer and performer, his deep voice made him stand out from the crowd. He used his deep voice to capture his highest profile job- as a spokesman for 7-Up.

Even today, years after the last ad aired on television, Mr. Holder is still remembered for them. As well as for his roles in the films Annie, Live & Let Die and Boomerang. Geoffrey Holder passed away at the age of 84, leaving behind his wife of almost 60 years and a son.

The First Ronald McDonald

The character of Ronald McDonald has been putting smiles on kids faces for decades, but did you know that the very first Ronald McDonald would later become very famous? Here's how he looked way back when:

That side-splitting clown was none other than ex-Today Show weatherman Willard Scott, who actually created the character for McDonald's. 

Mrs. Olson for Folgers Coffee

Persons of a certain age might remember an era before every town had four Starbucks that many people brewed their own coffee at home. And chances are the coffee they brewed was Folgers Coffee, which was endorsed by the matronly "Mrs. Olson".

Played by the veteran actress Virginia Christine, Mrs. Olson never turned down an opportunity to recommend Folgers Coffee to anyone. From 1965 until 1986, she appeared in over 100 commercials, becoming a pop culture icon. In fact, she was so well known that her home town still honors her to this day with a water tower painted to look like a teakettle. (Either that or there really isn't much going on in Stanton, Iowa.)

Virginia Christine passed away in 1996, having been retired from show business for many years.